Is Uganda Safe for Gorilla Trekking?

Is Uganda Safe for Gorilla Trekking?  YES, gorilla trekking in Uganda is very safe, and you do not need to worry about anything. Whereas many potential travellers have continuously asked whether Uganda is safe for gorilla trekking, we repeatedly say YES, the Pearl of Africa is generally safe, and so is gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

The Uganda government, together with Uganda Tourism Board, Ministry of Tourism and Uganda Wildlife Authority, have put safety measures and conservation rules which govern gorilla trekking, ensuring the safety of travellers and the endangered mountain gorillas.

Why Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Is Considered Safe

Tourism Police and patrol

The Uganda government has enforced the Uganda tourism police who patrol the gorilla National Parks and all other tourism destinations across the country.  These armed police men patrol the gorilla parks day and night, ensuring tight security from any rebel attacks or any kind of terrorism. This guarantees the security and safety of gorilla trekking in Uganda.

Professional Ranger and Guide Protection

Is Gorilla trekking safe in Uganda? At the start of every gorilla trekking session, travellers are assigned two-armed professional ranger guides to escort them to and from the gorilla trek. These ranger guides are trained by Uganda Wildlife Authority, and they have full knowledge of gorilla movements, gorilla behaviours and general conservation.

Also, these rangers are trained on how to handle emergencies, ensuring the safety of travellers in the jungle. The guns that these people have are not to shoot, but rather to scare wild animals in case of any wild behaviour. Ranger guides shoot empty bullets in the air, scaring wild animals away.

Habituated Gorilla Families

Travellers are only allowed to visit “habituated” gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla Park.  These gorilla families undergo a 2–3-year habituation /training process, which tames them to be familiar and comfortable with people.

Habituated gorillas are so fun to be around since they stay calm because they do not feel threatened by people’s presence. However, travellers are reminded to keep and observe the rules and regulations.ns as guided at the start of the trek.

Strict Conservation Rules

The Uganda Wildlife Authority has enforced strict conservation rules, which are a “MUST” follow for anyone visiting the endangered gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Whereas these rules sound tough, they are highly emphasised for the safety of gorillas and even travellers. At the start of every trekking day, travellers are briefed on these rules and reminded to respect them.

These Strict conservation rules for Safe Gorilla Trekking include;

1. Limited visitor numbers per day. UWA only allows eight people to visit each gorilla family per day. The 8 people go at once in a group.
2. Strictly an hour with gorillas. YES, travellers are allowed to spend only an hour with the gorillas. Whereas you can spend several hours searching for the gorillas. You are only allowed to spend an hour in their presence. This hour is counted from the moment you meet the allocated gorilla family.
3. Seven-meter distance. Travellers are also commanded to keep seven meters away from the endangered gorillas. The distance is to avoid very close encounters, which can be a threat to the gorillas. At times when gorillas come close, travellers are reminded to step back and ensure distance.
4. Health screenings.  Travellers are first screened to ensure no one is sick. Those with a cold and cough are not allowed to trek with gorillas to avoid human-wildlife disease transmissions. Also, travellers are asked to wear masks if possible, to avoid catching some diseases from the gorillas. Also, if a gorilla has flu or a cough, travellers can catch it.

Gorilla trekking regions

This is in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, where four gorilla regions have been fully established. These regions are Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo. Each region offers a different feel of gorilla trekking, and travellers can choose which region they want to visit. Hiking trails, ranger posts and park headquarters have been well established in each gorilla region, making it easy for travellers.

Local community involvement

Over time, Uganda Wildlife Authority has embraced local community involvement in conservation programs in and around gorilla parks. This has created a positive relationship between local people and park management, hence ensuring safety.  The employment of local people as rangers, local guides and porters makes them feel part of the conservation team, changing their initial attitude towards gorilla conservation.

Risks to expect in Gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga is not a walk-away activity but rather an adventurous activity that comes with certain risks. These include

Challenging Terrain

Is gorilla trekking safe in Uganda? Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga are mountainous regions with rugged terrains. Hiking uphill to see gorillas is physically straining and no joke.  The slopes can be steep, and the grounds muddy and slippery, but it’s all worth it.

Travellers are advised to wear hiking boots, hire porters to carry bags and support them in hiking and also carry enough drinking water to keep them hydrated.  The feel of looking into the brown eyes of the gorillas is magical and worth the effort!

Human–Gorilla Disease Transmission

Mountain gorillas are man’s close relative who share over 98% of human genes. This makes them susceptible to human diseases, especially the communicable ones.  In cases when travellers have any kind of flu or cough, gorillas can catch it, which is so risky for the endangered primate.

For this case, travellers with any kind of respiratory disease are not allowed to visit gorillas. Wearing a mask and keeping a distance is highly recommended to avoid this risk.

Unpredictable Weather Conditions

The weather in gorilla parks, especially Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, is very unpredictable.  Rain showers can occur at any time of the day, regardless of the season.

Travellers are therefore reminded to carry rain jackets to be safe in case it rains. Also, forest grounds are mostly muddy and slippery, so you need covered shoes.

How You Can Stay Safe During Your Trek

1. Keep a distance from gorillas
2. Do not trek when sick
3. Carry enough drinking water
4. Hire a porter
5. Bring rain gear
6. Dress smartly for the jungle. Long-sleeved shirt and long pants
7. Follow every instruction from your guide

Is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Worth It?

YES, Uganda gorilla trekking is worth every penny and effort. Whether it’s a costly gorilla permit or the strenuous gorilla treks, a close encounter with the endangered gorillas is a lifetime experience worth it.

You can check our website for gorilla tour packages.